The Arena League football team in Duluth will be nicknamed the Harbor Monsters, team ownership announced Thursday.

The logo is inspired by the historical Mishipeshu legend of the underwater panther, or Monster in Lake Superior. It’s featured in the logo so as to be “tough and gritty like the people of the Twin Ports,” according to a statement from team ownership.

“It was nearly a three-way tie between Sasquatch, Norsemen and Harbor Monsters, but we are pleased with the community’s choice,” says CEO Brent LaBrie.

The logo and name were officially unveiled at the DECC arena on the harbor-side balcony. Prominent logo producer Ryan Foose of Fooser Sports Design. The colors of blue and gold pay homage to the state’s colors.

The organization’s “Name-The-Team” contest was won by Ian Thorpe, who will receive season tickets and the opportunity to charge onto the field with the team at a game next year.

Duluth, last April, was announced as one of four inaugural Arena League teams for a league that will start up in 2024. The team will play at DECC Arena. Season ticket packages can be reserved at www.DuluthMonsters.com. Hall of Fame receiver Tim Brown is commissioner of the league. The other three teams will be located in Springfield, Mo.; Waterloo, Iowa and Kansas City.

A separate reincarnated Arena Football League has also announced plans to restart a 16-team league in 2024 with a team located in the Twin Cities. That league will be commissioned by former Gophers wide receiver Lee Hutton III.